Principal

St Joseph's School (Taihape); Whanganui; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

St Joseph's School Taihape invites applications for a Principal to lead a faith-based community in a rural setting. The role oversees a combined primary/intermediate school (Years 1–8) with a close-knit roll of about 75 learners and a collaborative staff team.

As an innovative and relational leader, you will steer curriculum across English, mathematics, science, social sciences, te reo Māori, The arts, and PE, while upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and the school’s CARE values.

Qualifications

• Willingness to participate in religious instruction.
• Commitment to Catholic character and Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles.

Responsibilities

• Lead curriculum across multiple subjects and levels (Years 1–8).
• Cultivate an inclusive, values-driven school culture.
• Build strong relationships with learners, staff and community.

Skills

Relational leadership

Job description

Full time, Permanent

Primary and intermediate (Years 1–8) / kura tuatahi, Principal
English, Health and physical education, Learning languages, Mathematics and statistics, Science, Social sciences, Technology, Te reo Māori, The arts

Lead with faith, inspire young minds, and thrive in our community!

Are you an innovative, passionate, and relational leader? St Joseph’s School Taihape invites you to step into an extraordinary opportunity to guide and empower our vibrant school community.

Why St Joseph’s School?

• A community where everyone belongs: With a close-knit roll of 75 learners, you’ll lead a school where positive relationships truly matter and every single child is valued and known.


• Grounding in faith and values: Rooted in our Catholic worldview, a strong commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles, and our Josephite values of Community, Aroha, Resilience, and Excellence (CARE), we nurture every learner to discover their potential for greatness.


• The best of Aotearoa on your doorstep: Nestled against the backdrop of Maunga Ruapehu, the Ruahine Range, and the Rangitīkei awa, our local environment offers boundless outdoor adventures and sports opportunities. Enjoy a peaceful, supportive rural lifestyle with easy connections to Whanganui, Palmerston North, and the wider Rangitīkei and Manawatū regions.

The role and special character

We are seeking an effective, faith-driven leader who is eager to make a genuine, lasting impact on the lives of our young people and wider community.

Condition of employment

A willingness and active ability to participate in religious instruction appropriate to the special character of the school is required.

The successful applicant shall accept and recognise the responsibility to maintain, preserve, and enrich the special Catholic character of the school.

Ready to make a difference?

If you are an inspiring, relational leader ready to guide our learners, staff, and community into an exciting future, we genuinely invite you to apply.